Tribute

"Johnnie" was predeceased by his devoted parents, John and June (Steeves) Wilson, and sister Karen (Wilson) Bartell. He is survived by his sister, Cheryl (Wilson) Fornelli (John), nephews, Brian Fornelli (Victoria), Eric Fornelli (Julie), and Martin Fornelli (Megan), and seven grand-nieces and nephews, Josiah, Hannah, Selah, June, Jack, Lon, and Brie Fornelli. Born with both physical and intellectual challenges, Johnnie had the intellectual ability of an 18-month-old child and possessed a solitary and gentle soul. His family will remember him for his multiple boxes of puzzles and Legos and the way he'd repeatedly play old Mitch Miller and Yodeling Slim Whitman LPs on his old-fashioned turntable. He loved going for car rides and eating French Fries with plenty of ketchup. For 58 years, Johnnie was cared for at home by his sacrificial mother, June, and began to decline after she passed away in 2020, resulting in the eventual need for care in a residential facility. Never able to express himself, and a bit of a mystery to his family, they are convinced that he is now standing in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, who has had and will continue to have a unique purpose for his unique life.

Friends & Family